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IAAF wants a stake in Nitro Series - Bolt

Eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt said the IAAF can help push the newly introduced Nitro Athletics Series globally.

The series had its inaugural series in Melbourne, Australia in February.

Bolt has a financial stake in the series that has athletes competing in non-traditional events like an elimination mile, mixed high-hurdles relay, and mixed relays.

It drew huge crowds and generated millions of views on television in the Australian city where Bolt lead his All Stars team to victory over the three days of competition.

Such was the success that there were reports that other cities in Australia are interested in luring the series away from Melbourne.

Bolt revealed on Thursday that the IAAF wants a piece of the action.

“The IAAF wants to buy a share of it and be a part of it. For me, that’s a big thing because I think the IAAF needs to be a part of it to make it a world-wide series to make it bigger and more easily accessible to different countries,” Bolt said Friday following the launch of the 2017 renewal of the Racer’s Grand Prix at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston.

“For me that’s a big move. I told people that this series would be big and it was very enjoyable and all the athletes want to be a part of it so I am very happy about that.”

The multiple world record holder said going forward he sees himself playing more of a managerial role with his team, the Bolt All-Stars.

“I don’t think I will be competing much after this year but you never know, I might be in the mood and run a 4x100m relay but I’ll be in a managerial role and try to spread the word,” he said.

“I really want to help track and field continue to build and move forward.”

He said if he can find the sponsors, he does not rule out the series coming to the Caribbean.

“It’s all about finding sponsors and people who want to be a part of it to help to build track and field. As I said, the IAAF wants to be a part of it and that’s a good thing, so they are the ones who will help to get it into different regions because they have the money and they can get the backing to help to build it.”